A government review has found BHP mines are the “dominant source” of dust in the WA town of Newman. 

Air pollution targets in Newman - a town wedged between two BHP iron ore mines - have been exceeded due to mining 171 times since 2013.

A Department of Water and Environmental Regulation review has found that BHP's mines are the “dominant source” of the dust, with the target for airborne dust having been exceeded 258 times between 2013/14 and 2020/21, with 166 of the events linked to industrial emissions.

A further five events were attributed to industry in 2021/22. 

Documents released through freedom of information (FOI) suggest department staff felt part of BHP's contribution to the review could be at odds with official health advice on air pollution. The review was allegedly changed in line with BHP's suggestions.

Greens MP Brad Pettitt says the changes raise concerns about the independence of the review.

“I think it raises great concerns, especially for those people who live there day in, day out,” he said. 

“There is no doubt that we should be having frank and fearless advice from our regulators, that's actually driven by the key evidence.

“It shouldn't be in any way influenced by the commercial needs of a company, big or small.”